University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha
Communications and Development Department
news release
4 July 2003
Canterbury University hosts higher education forum
More than 2000 higher education experts from Australasia and further afield will converge on Christchurch at the weekend
for the 2003 annual conference of HERDSA, the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
The Minister of Education Steve Maharey will open the conference on Sunday at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of
Technology. The conference is based at the University of Canterbury
At the opening Mr Maharey will launch the HERDSA Fellowship Professional Recognition and Development Scheme. Seven
higher education experts — six Australians and one New Zealander — will receive the inaugural fellowships.
HERDSA President Angela Brew says the scheme is designed to provide professional recognition for quality higher/tertiary
education teaching.
“It not only provides professional recognition for higher education teachers but also professional development, which is
built into the process and ensures that the standards are maintained and enhanced.” The scheme is open to all who teach
at the higher/tertiary education level including faculty academics, academic developers and learning support personnel.
“In providing an internationally recognised qualification for those individuals who encourage and support learning, the
scheme is designed to improve the quality of teaching across the higher/tertiary education sector and will enhance the
professionalism of teachers.
“Because it is based on a peer review process, it builds up cross-institutional networks of teachers engaged in critical
reflection into teaching practice and the learning process. It also provides a forum for peer evaluation and dialogue
concerning teaching quality.”
Quality monitoring of the scheme is via a Reference Group representing key organisations and stakeholders in the
Australasian higher education sector. External assessor for the piloting and introduction of the scheme was Dr Liz
Beaty, Director of Teaching and Learning for the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Key note speakers for the Christchurch conference include Professor Janet Donald, from the Department of Educational and
Counselling Psychology at McGill University, Montreal, Professor Ronald Barnett, who is professor of higher education at
the Institute of Education and chair of the Higher Degrees Committee of the University of London, and Professor Linda
Tuhiwai Smith, of the University of Auckland who is joint Director of Nga Pae o teMaramatanga The National Institute for
Research Excellence in Maori Development.
ENDS